Marlins Urena Will Appeal His Six-Game Suspension

Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Urena will appeal his six-game suspension handed down by Major League Baseball for hitting Atlanta rookie Ronald Acuna with the first pitch of the game on Wednesday.

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Urena said he does plan to appeal a six-game suspension he received from Major League Baseball after hitting Atlanta Braves rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna with the first pitch of the game on Wednesday.

Major League Baseball handed down it’s ruled, stating the Marlins pitcher “intentionally” hit the rookie with the first pitch of the game, which led to a benches-clearing situation where both Urena and Braves manager Brian Snitker was ejected.

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"As Kyle Melnick of MLB.com wrote, “Urena, whom MLB also gave an undisclosed fine, reiterated Friday that he didn’t intend to hit Acuna. Marlins manager Don Mattingly said he might use Urena during his team’s series against the Nationals at Nationals Park this weekend, possibly having the right-hander start Sunday.”"

It is believed that while the appeals process takes place, he will withdraw the response when the Marlins face the Braves in Miami at Marlins Park next week.

"“The reaction is pretty sad for me,” Urena said. “I just tried to go out there … and tried to attack the hitter, a righty, so I go inside. I just tried to secure a good plan. That was pretty sad, pretty tough for me.”"

It’s hard to make a case the pitch was unintentional with how it was thrown. At least, that is my opinion. The 26-year-old has been known for control issues, but I believe this is more a case of the fact a rookie hitter torched Miami during the four-game series, a series where Miami was swept.

"“With his appeal, Urena is in line to face the Yankees at Marlins Park on Tuesday or Wednesday if he doesn’t throw this weekend,” Melnick added. “The 26-year-old could then drop his appeal before the Marlins play the Braves the following weekend.”"

Urena’s control issues are nothing new. He has hit 11 batters this season, which is a dubious distinction to lead MLB. Last year, he led all pitchers with 14 batters hit. He has a 3-12 record this season with a 4.74 ERA in 24 starts.

Despite the issues with hit batsmen the last two seasons, Urena posted a 14-7 record in 2017 to lead Miami and was named the Opening Day starter this season against the Chicago Cubs by Mattingly.

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